Fun Family Visit

This past week we had my brother, Spencer, and sister-in-law, Tiffany, out to visit while the girls were on their Fall break. We had a ton of fun with them and were able to see some things we hadn't before.

On Monday we went up to Santa Cruz and saw "The Mystery Spot" and The Boardwalk. I am kicking myself for forgetting my camera that day, but Tiffany said she'd e-mail me the pictures she took that day (hint, hint :)>), so hopefully I'll post some of those later. The mystery spot was this crazy place where compasses don't work and there's a lot of optical illusions going on that make you able to lean sideways in doorways and off table ledges. Pretty cool. Anyway, the funny thing was that as we were listening to the tour guide, Kate was running around, as usual, saying, "my tummy hurts." So Chris picked her up and put her over his shoulder. As he did, Kate let a huge fart rip. Then we hear this lady standing next to us say to her friend, "oh my!" It was pretty funny.

Next we went to the boardwalk. I had never been to one, and it was fun to go. The rides weren't running because it was a weekday, but we had a fun time mini golfing, shopping for souvenirs, playing in the waves, and eating the totally greasy boardwalk food. They had these garlic french fries that Chris, Tiffany, and Spencer tried - Man! - were those things potent! Chris and Spencer said their mouths were stinging afterwards, and all of the vampires on the boardwalk definitely kept their distance! :)

We of course did the aquarium scene, which is always fun, and had a picnic outside where the waves were crashing. The funny story here is that while Tiffany and Spencer took the girls out to climb on the rocks while I was nursing Kylie, two older ladies (in their 50's) on their bicycles stopped by to take a drink and started totally criticizing Spencer and Tiffany and saying how they were not even paying attention and were going to "lose their kids." Then one of them looked over at me and asked me if they were my kids and I said, "Yes they are." I think they were a little embarrassed. I just don't see why people in California seem to be more tolerant of people's pets than they are of people's children. I mean, I see people bringing their dogs into clothing stores and getting their hair all over the clothing, which totally grosses me out, and yet I'm the one getting the strange looks for having more than two children. It is a very interesting situation.

Anyhoo, sorry to get sidetracked there. We had a lot of fun picnics with Spencer and Tiffany. It almost felt more like camping in the mountains of Utah than being on the beaches of California. Below you can see us at Point Lobos. Every time we go there it looks different, the ocean is at a different level, you'll see different animals and flowers, and it's just a good time.

We also went to the tide pools again. The ocean was the highest I'd ever seen it, even at low tide. But we found some neat stuff. Tiffany found a starfish and we also saw lots of hermit crabs and those sticky-musselly-things-that-I-don't-know-what-they-are-but-they're-still-cool. Spencer and Tiffany took Aly out to an island to look around and watch the waves while I stayed with the younger three girls. We found two awesome crab snappers, and teeny shells of all colors to make a shell rainbow. Even though it was kinda chilly, it was really nice to be out in the fresh air and sunshine! We topped it off with a fire at the beach - Can I just say how much I love nature? Heavenly Father & the Savior have done such a beautiful job in creating this world for us. I always feel the most peaceful when I'm able to just be out in it, soaking it up. I love it.

For their last day, Chris took us all hiking so we could see some Redwoods. It was beautiful up there as well, and it was crazy seeing the ocean open up before us on our way down. After our hike, Spencer and Tiffany ordered pizza for the girls and took them out for ice cream and let Chris and I go out on a date. That was super nice and we totally appreciated it. They were excellent guests to have, bringing cookies to decorate, helping the kids with their homework, and helping out with holding Kylie. We hope they had a great time, as we sure did enjoy having them here!

Now, doesn't this post just make you want to come and hang out with us?!?